The mining sector requires approximately US$15.5 billion in capital investment over the next five years to unlock its full potential and accelerate Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030, Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Chief Executive Officer Isaac Kwesu has said.
Presenting at the ongoing Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe Annual Mining Conference in Victoria Falls today, Kwesu outlined the scale of investment needed to drive growth across the country’s mining value chains, positioning the sector as a key pillar of national economic transformation. He said investment in exploration, mining infrastructure, energy development, value addition and beneficiation will be critical in ensuring the sector reaches its projected growth targets and contributes meaningfully to the country’s industrialisation agenda.
Kwesu noted that Zimbabwe remains one of the world’s most mineral-rich nations, with vast deposits of gold, platinum group metals, lithium, chrome, coal and other strategic minerals that continue to attract growing international attention. Particular focus was placed on lithium, which has emerged as one of the country’s most promising minerals amid rising global demand for critical minerals required in the production of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
The Chamber CEO said the mining sector has the capacity to generate increased export earnings, create employment opportunities and stimulate broader economic activity if supported by adequate investment and enabling policies. His presentation comes as government and industry leaders intensify efforts to leverage Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth to drive sustainable economic growth and achieve the objectives set out under Vision 2030.
Delegates attending the conference heard that expanding mineral production alone will not be enough, with greater emphasis now being placed on value addition, local content development and the establishment of downstream industries that can maximise benefits from the country’s natural resources.
Kwesu said strategic investments would not only strengthen mining operations but also help develop critical infrastructure and improve the competitiveness of Zimbabwe’s mining industry on the global stage.
The annual mining conference continues to bring together government officials, mining executives, investors and industry experts to discuss opportunities, challenges and pathways for growing one of Zimbabwe’s most important economic sectors.
As discussions continue in Victoria Falls, the message from industry leaders remains clear: Zimbabwe possesses the mineral resources needed to drive economic transformation, but unlocking that potential will require significant capital investment, innovation and collaboration across the sector.
